21 June 2016 - In view of the observance of the holy month of Ramadan in Pakistan, the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad commemorated the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 06, with the theme “Kalayaan 2016: Pagkakaisa, Pag-aambagan at Pagsulong” at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The event was attended by around 250 guests from the Diplomatic Community, top government offices of the host country, business and private sectors as well as selected members of the Filipino Community in Lahore and Islamabad.
In his national day address, the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Daniel R. Espiritu recalled the history of the events that led to the Philippine Independence in 1898 and its significance to the birth of the Philippine nation and the Philippine national identity and consciousness. He also highlighted Philippine progress through the years and its current standing as a mature democracy, a progressive middle income economy, and a dynamic member of the international community that promotes the rule of law, peace and cooperation among nations.
The Government of Pakistan sent Honorable Pervais Rashid, Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage of Pakistan, as Chief Guest for the occasion. Minister Parvais Rashid highlighted the importance of the Philippines in Pakistan’s “Vision East Asia Policy,” which aims to enhance Pakistan’s collaboration with the Southeast Asian region. END